Class Update March 11, 2018

Important Dates:

March 16- Half day- dismiss at 11:50
March 19-23 Spring Break- No school
March 30- No school
April 11- Early release- dismiss at 1:40
April 16- MAP testing begins
May 4- Visit Truman Middle School

Writing:  We finished our unit on argument writing last week. For the second writing piece, the students had a choice between four debatable topics to write about.  They were: should zoos be allowed, should the US keep the penny, should kids have cell phones, and should there be recess in middle school. We had our writing celebration on Friday. After reading a few pieces on each topic, the students voted for which side they were on and wrote down a piece of evidence that convinced them. This week we are learning about the rules for different types of commas, and we will start writing poetry after spring break.

Reading:  We have been focusing on argumentative texts in reading. Last week, the students held their class debates. Each group chose an issue to research and prepare a debate. The students did a great job researching and presenting their debates! Next, we will do a short unit that covers poetry and figurative language. Students will be reading and analyzing poems. We are also doing a fun March Madness Book Battle!  All the students gave a book talk on their favorite book, and we will be doing more fun activities with their books as we start to narrow it down to one winner for the class.

See pictures of the debates below

Math:  We are currently learning how to multiply and divide fractions. We are focusing on word problems and knowing when you are supposed to multiply or divide. After this, we will move onto geometry.


Science:  In science, we are wrapping up a unit on matter. This unit is a favorite for students, and they have been experimenting to create physical and chemical reactions. After this, we will move on to living things and food chains.

Social Studies: In Ms. Scalise's class, they are learning about the Industrial Revolution. After spring break, they will move onto World War I and the Great Depression.

STEM: The students were given the task to build a Mars colony when we were learning about space. They had to research Mars first, and they had to plan how they could have an oxygen supply on Mars. They had some creative ideas! When we finished, the students presented their projects to Ms. Scalise's class, and they had to explain their creations.